1) You will find that most cities in Japan do not have garbage cans along the streets. This is because the Japanese do not walk and eat at the same time. If you do have trash, carry it with you until you find a garbage bin usually at locations that sell snack items or next to vending machines. When you do find the trash bin you will notice that there will be separate bins for regular trash and others for aluminum cans and glass bottles. Be eco-friendly and throw your recyclables into their appropriate slots.
2) Taking a train? Pay strict attention to departure times or you will be a sorry ass. Trains almost always depart on time. So if your train is scheduled to depart at 8:17, it will depart exactly at 8:17.
3) Do not attempt to take train during peak hour.
That's what we did.
We took morning train at 8:30am. When train arrived, it was already packed to capacity. People continued to pack themselves like sardines, the crush of people at that time is next to impossible for a novice to cope with. Once inside, bodies held aloft by pressure from the surrounding swarm. Body to body, skin to skin. You don’t even have to hold on to anything and yet, miraculously, you still won’t fall!
This is definitely not for those who value their personal space.
First stop, went to Shibuya 109.
Shibuya 109 is probably the most popular fashion complex in Japan. Shibuya 109 building is the symbol of Shibuya district and Japanese girl's culture. This shopping center got 8 floor and all sells women stuff only. Wander around inside to see all the odd Tokyo fashion trends come to life, especially the shop clerks who wear some of the wildest clothes imaginable.
I've never in my life seen so many pretty girls in one place. Man, I could just sit here for hours just looking at girls.
Next stop, we went to the Tokyo Tobacco & Salt Museum.
(Took along the way)
(We had a hard time finding the museum)
(Tobacco and Salt Museum is located in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. Entrance fees only 100yen)
The museum has numerous exhibits and displays relating to two major products, salt and tobacco. The museum is a four- storied building. The second floor of the museum houses the Japanese tobacco section. This section provides with a complete insight into the uses of tobacco in Japan in early times.
(You can also see the samples of Japanese tobacco as well as foreign tobacco displayed over here and see the difference between the two)
One can find numerous paintings, documents and other artifacts, which talks about the tobacco culture in Japan as well as in the world.
(Ancient Japanese methods of smoking)
(Old cigarettes packing)
(Here you can see a huge block of salt displayed in the room)
Next on our visit lists is the Meiji Shrine. One word of advise, be prepare to walk. It is about 700,000 square-meter forest (about 175 acres).
Time: 2:40pm
(On my way to the Meiji shrine)
In the background you can see a shop that sells charms and various religious things. Other objects of interest at a shrine are omamori. Omamori are special pockets that are blessed with certain good luck charms. Each omamori has a different purpose and it is best to ask before buying. Some typical blessings are for passing exams, driving safety, finding true love, curing an ailment, and general good luck. These objects run from 100 to 1000 yen in prices.
(This days in the Shrine, it is used mostly for Shinto weddings in the Shrine)
Pay a visit of this holy shrine in Tokyo, Japan. You are sure to fall in love with this shrine. The calm and poise environment of the shrine and garden will give you a much wanted relief from the maddening crowd.
(1. Before you enter the shrine area, you should wet your hands and lips.)
(2. But don't drink the water)
(3. Step up to the large wooden box and bow 90º to the shrine. Then throw some coins into the box. Typically a 5 yen coin is used because it signifies good luck, but 1 yen coins work just as well)
(4. After which you can make your wish and pray to the spirit of the shrine. When you finish your prayer, bow again at 90º)
(5. Done!)
By now we're really very tired due to walking and not to mention the unbearable heat as well. But still there's another place we need to go before ending the day.
It is the Tokyo Tower.
Tokyo Tower is really one of few icons of Tokyo. From dusk to 11 PM, the tower is brilliantly illuminated in orange. Although it chiefly functions as a radio and television broadcasting antenna, the Tower is best known as a tourist destination .
(With 333 meters, Tokyo Tower is 13 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower of Paris, and the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower)
(No, we did not go up to the observation deck as it quite pricey. We just took some pictures outside)
